Trichloroethylene

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

ChemWatch Hazard Ratings Flammability HMIS 2 Toxicity 2 Health 2 0 Body Contact 2 Flammability — Reactivity Chronic 0 Reactivity 0 1 2 3 4 Fire Diamond Min Low Moderate High Extreme ANSI Signal Word Warning! Flammable ����� Emergency Overview ����� Clear, colorless liquid; sweet odor. Irritating to eyes/skin/respiratory tract. Other Acute Effects: irregular heart beat, drunkenness. Chronic Effects: heart/liver/kidney damage, dermatitis, birth defects, cancer (animal studies). Flammable. Copyright © 2006 by Genium Group, Inc. Any commercial use or reproduction without the publisher’s permission is prohibited. Judgments as to the suitability of information herein for the purchaser’s purposes are necessarily the purchaser’s responsibility. Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of such information, Genium Group, Inc. extends no warranties, makes no representations, and assumes no responsibility as to the accuracy or suitability of such information for application to the purchaser’s intended purpose or for consequences of its use.

Potential health effects

Target Organs: respiratory system, central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, skin

Principle Routes of Exposure

inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion (rarely) Acute Effects Inhalation: The vapor is mildly discomforting to the upper respiratory tract. Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures. Anesthetics and narcotic effects (with dulling of senses and odor fatigue) are a consequence of exposure to chlorinated solvents. Individual response varies widely; odor may not be considered objectionable at levels which quickly induce central nervous system effects. High vapor concentrations may give a feeling of euphoria. This may result in reduced responses, followed by rapid onset of unconsciousness, possible respiratory arrest and death. Acute effects from inhalation of high concentrations of vapor are pulmonary irritation, including coughing, with nausea; central nervous system depression - characterized by headache and dizziness, increased reaction time, fatigue and loss of coordination. If exposure to highly concentrated solvent atmosphere is prolonged this may lead to narcosis, unconsciousness, even coma and possible death. Evidence of acute human toxicity comes mainly from the use of TCE as an anesthetic, Tachypnea and ventricular arrhythmias are experienced at inhaled concentrations exceeding 15000 ppm. Systemic toxicity is low following anesthesia. Occasional hepatotoxicity (liver dysfunction) has been reported; this is probably due to the breakdown of TCE to dichloroacetylene and phosgene by soda-lime present in some anesthetic devices. The effects of TCE appear to be enhanced in some individuals by simultaneous exposure to caffeine, ethanol and other drugs. "Degreasers Flush" describes a reddening of facial, neck, and back skin and is seen after intake of substantial quantities of ethanol by certain individuals after exposures to TCE. Eye: The liquid is highly discomforting to the eyes and is capable of causing pain and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision, if not promptly and adequately treated. The vapor is discomforting to the eyes. The material may produce moderate eye irritation leading to inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis. Skin: The liquid is discomforting to the skin and may cause drying of the skin, which may lead to dermatitis. Toxic effects may result from skin absorption. Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material. The material may accentuate any pre-existing skin condition. The material may produce severe skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure, and may produce a contact dermatitis (nonallergic). This form of dermatitis is often characterized by skin redness (erythema) and swelling (edema) which may progress to vesiculation, scaling and thickening of the epidermis. Histologically there may be intercellular edema of the spongy layer (spongiosis) and intracellular edema of the epidermis. Repeated exposures may produce severe ulceration. Localized application may produce pustular eruptions, pruritus and erythema. A permeability coefficient of 1.6 x 10 -2 cm/hr has been calculated by the US EPA. Percutaneous absorption is unlikely to contribute significantly to total body burdens unless dermatitis is present. Ingestion: The liquid is highly discomforting and toxic if swallowed. Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting. Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments. Carcinogenicity: NTP - Not listed; IARC - Group 3, Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans; OSHA - Not listed; NIOSH - Listed as carcinogen; ACGIH - Class A5, Not suspected as a human carcinogen; EPA - Not listed; MAK - Class B, Justifiably suspected of having carcinogenic potential.

Potential chronic health

Sensitive humans may experience anesthetic effects from short exposures of exposure include fatigue, headache, irritability, vomiting, skin flush and intolerance to alcohol Liver, kidney, heart and neurological damage may also result from chronic overexposure. Alcohol intake may increase the toxic effects of the material. A variety of disturbances have been seen among workers exposed at concentrations ranging from 1 to 335 ppm. These disturbances increased with the length of exposure (to 5 years or more) and where more prominent when exposures exceeded 40 ppm. Increased complaints of alcohol intolerance, tremors, giddiness and anxiety were amongst symptoms recorded. Variation in effects in different occupational settings may be due to different physical workloads. There appeared to be no increase in the expected rates of congenital defects in children born to women exposed to TCE over a 13 year period. Epidemiological studies consistently fail to show a link between cancers and TCE exposure. This is significant because of the tens of thousands of exposed workers monitored. Copyright © 2006 Genium Group, Inc. Any commercial use or reproduction without the publisher’s permission is prohibited.